Page 39 of Rekindling Desire

In two strides I was before her, wrapping my arm around her waist and tugging her soft curves to me. Without provocation, Ella lifted her chin, bringing her luscious lips to mine. In milliseconds the stress of the day faded away into a vapor. Such as a release valve on a pressure cooker, having Ella in my arms calmed my inner turmoil.

“I’ve wanted to do that since you spoke to the board,” I said.

Laying both of her hands on my chest, Ella’s sapphire-blue gaze looked up at me.

I ran my thumb over her lower lip. “I can’t believe you’re really here. Every time I start to think about all the chaos of the last few weeks, I remember that somehow, it brought you back to me.” I tipped my forehead to hers. “I don’t admit my shortcomings.”

Ella laughed. “I didn’t know a narcissist could see their own weaknesses.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I must not be a narcissist because I’m fully aware that I am incomplete without you. Simply having you here makes me whole. Maybe losing you was exactly the kick in the ass I needed to truly see you.”

“I see you, too. You had the room of people riveted as you spoke at the meeting.” She shook her head. “I was so proud of you, the way you stood up—your convictions and belief in Sinclair Pharmaceuticals were like a neon sign. I’ve been trying to think why Darius wanted the no-confidence vote. He can’t possibly believe he could step in and do a better job than you.”

“He had his chance and he failed.”

“Gloria was right about one thing.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “What?”

“The members of the coalition should know we’re wed. This campaign is a great idea, and I believe in it for Beta Kappa Phi and for the coalition. I meant what I said about not wanting to upset the work Julia’s put into creating the unity the seven companies share.”

“If Dwain is working with Darius, you won’t be the cause of upsetting the coalition.”

Ella’s eyes opened wide. “My parents.”

“I’ll call them with you.”

“No.” She exhaled. “I’ll call them. I need to tell them myself.”

The complexities of the last week had me overwhelmed. “I should have asked. Are they still in Indiana? We could tell them in person.”

“They moved to Arizona about a year ago. Enjoying the retired life.”

“I could call Allen—”

Ella shook her head. “We’re not flying to Arizona just because we can. We have enough fires burning here, and we both have work we need to do.”

My cheeks rose with a grin. “Good. I want you to myself.”

“What about the bodyguards?”

“I’ve decided to have their company evaluate our home security systems, both of ours and Dani’s. I’ve been thinking about hiring all four candidates. They can work out a rotation that works for them and for us. If our homes are secure, their services will only be necessary when we’re away from home. That will mean both you and Dani need to communicate with them. No sneaking off to the salon or store without one of them.”

“I like that better than having them live with us.”

I smiled. “Reading their firearms experience and training had me concerned.”

“Why?”

“Because when you scream in the middle of the night, I don’t want one of them busting down our bedroom door.”

Ella scoffed. “There you go again, being so sure of yourself.”

“When it comes to making you scream, yes, Mrs. Sinclair, I am sure of myself.”

“What about the coalition?”

“Julia and Van know about our marriage. I told Van on the phone last night. I’ll call Julia this afternoon about what came up at the board meeting.”

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